NYPD will be out in force for DWI enforcement around the five boroughs over Independence Day weekend; From Friday through Tuesday nights, “Know Your Limit” campaign will offer $10 off cab rides taken via the Curb app
As part of the Vision Zero safety campaign, Mayor de Blasio today announced a focus on DWI enforcement over the 4th of July weekend, which traditionally has been among the deadliest times of the year for drunk-driving fatalities. At a briefing on holiday-related law-enforcement matters at One Police Plaza, he was joined DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, NYPD Transportation Chief Thomas Chan, and TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi, who also announced a new program to offer discounted cab rides — via the Curb app — over the holiday weekend.
“Over three years of Vision Zero, we have made tremendous progress in reducing fatalities,” said Mayor de Blasio. “However, we have so much more work to do and a holiday weekend celebration is no excuse to let our guard down in keeping our fellow New Yorkers safe. If you are drinking this weekend, don’t get behind the wheel. If you do, the NYPD is going to make sure you pay for it. Please use mass transit this weekend, or take advantage of the discounts being offered for New York City cabs.”
The DOT, NYPD, and TLC today made the following Vision Zero announcements:
DWI Enforcement Citywide: DOT and NYPD data show that the 4th of July weekend ends one of the most dangerous periods of the year for DWI-related traffic fatalities. During the six-week period between Memorial Day and Independence Day weekends, the rate of fatal alcohol-involved crashes increases by 55% compared to the rest of the year. The National Safety Council predicts that with traffic fatalities on the rise nationally, this four-day weekend holiday weekend could be the deadliest in many years.
NYPD will be focused on finding and arresting intoxicated drivers this holiday weekend. The focus on DWI will be down to the precinct level, including through the use of random checkpoints.
“Know Your Limit” Campaign features $10 Off Rides via Curb App: “Know Your Limit” is an on-street campaign educating New Yorkers about the dangers of drinking and driving. When enjoying a night on the town, New Yorkers should always plan ahead, especially because New York City already provides thousands of designated drivers – taxi drivers, bus drivers, and subway conductors. As part of “Know Your Limit,” New Yorkers are encouraged this weekend to book a safe ride home on the Curb app, which connects its users to over 13,000 licensed NYC taxis.
Users who have downloaded the Curb app — at gocurb.com/app or in the App Store or at Google Play — can use the promotional code “NODWI” to get $10 off rides. Beginning tonight, a limited number of promotional codes will be available each night this weekend through Tuesday night from 7pm to 4am. To redeem the discount, riders simply download and register their credit card on the app. Enter the promo code in the payments section and a $10 credit will be applied to the rider's fare for one ride this weekend.
More information is available on NYCDOT’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts and on taxi tops and Taxi TV.
“Last weekend, a driver in Midtown with an alcohol level twice the legal limit, drove the wrong way on Seventh Avenue and seriously hurt a cyclist,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Even as Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero efforts have helped us achieve historic declines in crashes, we need to stay vigilant for behavior that can so quickly undo that success. If you are celebrating this holiday weekend, have a designated driver, take a subway or grab a cab. However you are celebrating, do not drink and then get behind the wheel. ”
"If you're out celebrating this weekend, ensure you have a designated driver," said NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. "Our officers will be out across the City enforcing our traffic laws and cracking down on those who drink and drive."
“Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle drivers play an essential safety role by helping passengers both stay off the road and get home comfortably after enjoying the holiday weekend,” said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Meera Joshi .“The City and TLC-licensed driver’s efforts to prevent both drunk and fatigued driving is also something to celebrate.”
About Vision Zero
In January 2017, after three successive years of declines in traffic fatalities, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City would make an additional $400 million investment in Vision Zero – for a total of $1.6 billion over the next five years. DOT is implementing its most aggressive street redesign safety program, an increased investment in street redesign and traffic-calming measures citywide. Other Vision Zero changes announced by the Mayor include ensuring NYPD crossing guards at every post, faster replacement of street markings, intersection upgrades in the bike-lane network, more left-turn calming efforts, brighter lighting and more equipment at each police precinct to catch speeding.
For more information about the de Blasio Administration’s Vision Zero initiative, please see www.nyc.gov/visionzero
